Wild Jute is a nutritious food staple in many regions of the world Thursday, 16 March 2023 10:07 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Corchorus olitorius Picture courtesy Dinesh Valke from flickrDid you know that the leaves of wild jute, also known as wilde jute, molokhia, delele, thelele, and gushe, are superior in nutritional value compared to cabbage and spinach? And the plant is also used medicinally in many parts of the world. It is easy to grow in city gardens, rural homesteads and farms, and has been cultivated as a food crop for millennia. Read more about this amazing plant below.
Autumn is like spring for those living in humid subtropical regions Saturday, 11 March 2023 13:58 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Beans Beans Image by Antony Trivet from PixabayLate summer into autumn is the most popular time to garden in these regions, and especially if you wish to grow your own edibles. Most vegetable gardening information found online and in books is written for cool or temperate climates, leaving those living in warmer areas feeling left out, so if you want to know what to plant in humid subtropical gardens, read more below.
Could the taps running dry be the last straw for gardeners? Monday, 27 February 2023 13:42 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Image by Alexa from PixabayI don’t believe so - gardeners are a resilient bunch, and for generations we have survived devastating droughts, floods, and even wars without giving up hope. And often wonderful old gardening techniques and practices are re-born, with a modern twist, when times are tough and water is in short supply. The famous "dry farmed tomatoes" of California come to mind. Read more about my thoughts going forward.
The trending ‘Garden of Abundance’ is resonating with young and old alike Friday, 24 February 2023 09:16 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Image by Kerstin Riemer from PixabayA ‘Garden of Abundance’ carries the concept of rewilding forward, and is all about making your garden a bit wilder, more productive, and connected to the earth – whatever that means for you personally. It does not however confine itself to a certain garden style only, but rather incorporates these concepts into modern and contemporary garden design.
Groundcovers to plant between pavers and stepping stones Wednesday, 15 February 2023 10:01 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' Picture courtesy www.acemondo.co.nzAll too often the gaps between flagstone pavers and stepping stone garden paths become neglected and full of unsightly weeds, and may be due to the fact that the home owners gave up on finding suitable little plants tough enough to survive. Read more below on how to select the perfect candidate for the job, and my selection of plants.
The Cape Weed is classified as naturalised in South Africa Monday, 13 February 2023 12:35 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Phyla nodiflora Picture courtesy Forest and Kim Starr from flickrThe Cape weed, Phyla nodiflora, is very tough and because it takes heavy foot-traffic, is often grown as a lawn substitute, or planted between pavers and stepping stones. Read more about this naturalised weed below.
Krauss' Spike Moss should be top of your list of plants for moist and shady spots Thursday, 09 February 2023 11:03 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Selaginella kraussiana. Picture courtesy manuel m. v. from flickrSpike Moss (Selaginella kraussiana) is a popular groundcover for shady gardens that’s acclaimed worldwide for its luxuriant leaves and low growth, and is a first choice for use in plant terrarium’s and animal vivarium’s. Click the link below to read more about this fascinating little plant.
Corsican mint forms a dense, soft mat of very low growing foliage Friday, 03 February 2023 16:37 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Mentha requienii. Image by Gerson Rodriguez from PixabayBecause the leaves of Corsican mint are highly aromatic and the plant is low-growing and tolerates light foot traffic, it is often put to good effect by planting it between pavers or stepping stones, where its wonderful peppermint fragrance can be released underfoot. Read more below about growing and using it in the garden and home.
Why aren’t we all planting Oortjies in our gardens? Monday, 30 January 2023 16:47 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Falkia repens in bloom. Picture courtesy www.randomharvest.co.zaWhite carpet, or oortjies is a luscious evergreen groundcover with an abundance of large white flowers in summer. It's long lived, low maintenance, and versatile, growing in shade or sun, and in dry or moist conditions. Its low growth habit makes it perfect between pavers. Read all about growing and caring for this little charmer below.
Go wild with these gorgeous indigenous grasses! Tuesday, 24 January 2023 08:56 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
S
Miscanthus junceus at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. Picture courtesy Random Harvest Nurseryouth Africa has its own ornamental Miscanthus that are becoming popular here and overseas for their looks and hardiness. And, unlike the exotic species like Zebra and Silver Maiden Grass, if you plant our indigenous species you will have peace of mind, knowing that they are not invasive and also support our local wildlife. Read more about the lovely Miscanthus capensis and Miscanthus junceus below.
Are garden cultivars of Maiden Grass truly sterile and safe to plant? Thursday, 19 January 2023 11:00 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus' Image by Mark Martins from PixabayGarden cultivars of Miscanthus, like ‘Variegatus and ‘Zebrinus’, are considered to be sterile and therefore safe to plant in gardens. To test that theory, scientists put the plants to the test. Read about their conclusions below, and if you still want to grow them you can, as they are not classified as invasive in SA.
The Japanese Sweet Flag forms a beautiful and almost seamless groundcover Monday, 16 January 2023 10:05 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus' covers the ground below a pillar rose. Picture courtesy K M from flickrGrown primarily for its bright and cheery evergreen foliage that is clumping and grass-like in character, the sweet flag grows just as well in water as it does in garden beds, and is easy to cultivate as long as it can be watered regularly. Read more below on how to grow and use this lovely little plant in the garden.
